Poyet’s perfect home start gives Sunderland claims to beat Chelsea

Sunderland have already beaten Manchester City at the Stadium of Light under the stewardship of Gus Poyet and 5/1 does look instantly good value that they beat a Chelsea side that can also be inconsistent on their travels.

Poyet has certainly made Sunderland’s home more of a fortress since his arrival, winning all three fixtures at the Stadium of Light in all competitions.

These have additionally been against opposition that are currently situated in the top seven of the Premier League standings, which highlights that the Black Cats can hold their own against better-quality opposition.

Sunderland are definitely due a home victory over Chelsea too, given that the Blues have returned to London with the three points on their last seven visits.

Chelsea’s odds are 4/7 to beat Sunderland again, with 14/5 the price awarded to the draw.

This win price does seem a tad short though, given that Chelsea have only secured maximum points in two of their six top-flight away games thus far.

The big news ahead of the game relates to who Jose Mourinho will select as the replacement for Oscar, who misses the trip after going off injured in the victory over Southampton.

Juan Mata created more chances than any of his Chelsea teammates in this success and would logically move in-field into his preferred number-10 role.

However, this was the first time that the Spaniard completed 90 minutes since September and so there have to be doubts as to whether Mourinho will play Mata from the start again.

Willian and Andre Schurrle must be due league starts after finding themselves on the periphery of the first team of late, but it is Frank Lampard that looks the most likely scorer from midfield against Sunderland.

Lampard has netted on two of his last three starts at the Stadium of Light and scored twice on his last Premier League start, away at West Ham.

After appearing from the bench in the Southampton triumph, Lampard can be expected to start here and appeals at 2/1 to be on target at any point in the 90 minutes.